When quarterback Donovan McNabb was benched in a 36-7 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens seven weeks ago that dropped the Philadelphia Eagles' to 5-5-1, it appeared an era was over. Now the Eagles are two wins from completing their quest for a maddeningly elusive ring.

With Plaxico Burress' legal woes forcing the New York Giants to place the star wide receiver on the reserve/non-football injury list, ending his season, it appears as if a world of opportunity has opened for the defending Super Bowl champions' opponents.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan returned home. The Philadelphia Eagles, as they have been against many teams under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, were ungracious hosts. Ryan, who grew up in a Philadelphia suburb, was forced to throw as the Eagles bottled up Atlanta's rushing game in a 27-14 Philadelphia victory.

No meltdowns for the Chicago Bears this time. Instead, they came up with a big stand. Alex Brown stopped Correll Buckhalter at the goal line late in the game, and Chicago hung on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 Sunday night after head-scratching losses that raised questions about their killer instinct.

No meltdowns for the Chicago Bears this time. Instead, they came up with a big stand. Alex Brown stopped Correll Buckhalter at the goal line late in the game, and Chicago hung on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 Sunday night after head-scratching losses that raised questions about their killer instinct.